Darfur rape allegations: EU, Norway call for accountability

The Delegation of the European Union and the Embassies of its Member States in Sudan, as well as the Embassy of Norway are seeking assurance that anyone found to have committed violations in Tabit be held to account. In a press statement issued on Wednesday, the EU Heads of Mission and the Ambassador of Norway in Khartoum express their apprehension over the continued instability and insecurity in Darfur. “In particular, we have been following with concern the reported allegations of sexual violence in the village of Tabit in North Darfur.” They also “take careful note of the announcement of the Minister of Justice of Sudan to investigate the reports and expect the publication of a full inquiry by Yasir Ahmed Mohamed, the Special Prosecutor for Crimes in Darfur. “However, we are disturbed by the lack of swift and free access given Unamid. We urge the Government of Sudan to grant unrestricted and continued access to Unamid personnel to conduct a thorough investigation in Tabit, in line with their mandate, and to guarantee access of humanitarian actors. We further urge the Government of Sudan to ensure that anyone found to have committed violations be held to account.” The statement says that the EU and Norway “recall that victims of sexual violence must be assured of the state’s protection, dignified treatment and access to justice. [This is]in line with the Doha Document for Peace in Darfur and international human rights and humanitarian law instruments to which Sudan is party.” The diplomats express expectation that the upcoming round of talks convened by the African Union High Level Implementation Panel in Addis Ababa will contribute to confidence building and peace in the Blue Nile, South Kordofan and Darfur.” Related: Political parties demand new inquiry into North Darfur rape (12 November 2014) Peace talks between Sudan government and SPLM-N resume (12 November 2014)